Today’s Bathtubs are more than just a place to bathe

The materials, shapes and sizes have evolved throughout the years but the basic principal has remained the same. A bathtub provides the means of bathing and is normally found in a bathroom. However, the past 50 years has seen a dramatic change in bathtubs that range from built-in, freestanding and even corner baths to fit the lifestyles of today.

Built-in tubs have surrounding walls that hide the sides of the tub and are usually smaller than freestanding models. They are also more shallow which makes stepping into easy but more difficult to exit. Some built-in models are tub/shower combinations and can be made of fibreglass, porcelain or acrylic. For a short period of time in the 1970s, sunken tubs gained popularity where the top of the tub was placed flush with a floor but cleaning and repair was too difficult to keep it alive for long.

Soaking tubs have become relevant to those that love the luxury of spending quiet time in a peaceful surrounding of warm water, calming scents and soft music. Deep and luxurious, heights of these tubs can range from 17 inches to over 30 inches high with several different widths. These tubs are usually freestanding models that are designed to provide the ultimate soaking experience. Claw foot tubs come in a wide selection that also include soaking tubs and have some beautiful designs. A claw foot tub will usually take a centre spot in a large bathroom.

Specialty bathtubs are gaining popularity especially with an aging population that has difficulty getting in and out of tubs. Corner baths that fit snugly in a v-shaped opening can save space in smaller homes yet provide a tub and shower unit with many different amenities. Walk-in corner bath/shower combos have a door that opens then closes and seals so stepping into a bathtub is no longer necessary. Many have seats and attachments to shower fixtures so an individual can spray the water over them while sitting.

Other corner baths can take on the look of a built-in tub, surrounded with aesthetic colourful or stone tile and a wide step to help enter the bathtub. These designer tubs are great for home designs of today that are built to better utilize space. Many people also prefer a separate shower stall and by cutting back on the area needed for a bathtub this can be accomplished well.

Whirlpools and air baths are another way of relaxing in tubs that have a pump and motor to generate thousands of air bubbles through jets that massage and relax your body. Engineering improvements have been made in recent years to make them quieter and the flow more regulated. Colored water and scents can also be found as options. A whirlpool tub is normally 5 foot deep or more and wider than a normal bathtub. Walls or platforms usually surround air baths to hide the mechanics of the system.

Materials used for bathtubs is another consideration. An enamelled cast iron unit is timeless and retains heat but is very, very heavy. Many floors cannot maintain the weight. Enamelled steel has a similar look to cast iron but is more affordable and lighter in weight. Fiberglas is a popular option that offers many different styles but is not as durable as other materials. Acrylic seems to be the choice of many designers and contractors because of the durability, ability to hold heat and the numerous choices of styles, sizes and colors.

We have come a long way since pottery bathtubs with corner tubs, whirlpools and others and will no doubt continue with more impressive models in the future.

At the height of modern day affordable luxury, there are few things quite like a whirlpool bath. Luna Spas work to bring you a fine selection of some of the very best spas and baths to suit your home at competitive prices.